Obituary for Thomas Blakely Scott Jr.
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, Thomas Blakely Scott, Jr., 74, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away.
Tom was a Senior Master Sergeant (retired) in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served as Air Force One Crew Chief. He was awarded the Presidential Service Certification for Honorable Service in the White House in 1982 by President Ronald Reagan.
His love and concerns for the Blackwater River were the catalyst for him founding the Blackwater Pyrates. As Captain Blackwater Bones, he watched the organization grow from a few charter members in 2006 to over 200 today: individuals dedicated to the care of the Blackwater River and its communities.
Tom’s desire to serve included the Bagdad Waterfronts Partnership where he was instrumental in the development of the Bagdad Millsite Park, tree planting programs and improving public access to the waterfront.
He was very proud that his sense of adventure had taken him to all 50 states – remarkably, before he finished high school. He delighted in bringing new life to old tractors, boats, model trains and cars. Local traffic had to look out for Tom when he was out on the roads on his latest tractor restoration! He was recognized far and wide for his home-built “Shanty Boat.” Building Christmas model train layouts for his granddaughters brought joy to all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas B. Scott, Sr. and Louise Miller Scott of Columbia, SC.
Survivors include: his wife of 22 years, Ann J. Scott of Milton; son, Thomas H. “Tommy” Scott of Ft. Walton Beach; son, Lyle (DeAnna) Burkett of Milton; daughter, Lindsey (Corry) Welch of Milton; and granddaughters, Adyson and Aubree Welch. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends all over the world.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday February 12, 2023 at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Milton, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Blackwater Pyrates Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 751, Bagdad, Florida 32530.
Tom leaves a large footprint on the entire Milton area, and a legacy of laughter, love and community service.
Tom was a Senior Master Sergeant (retired) in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served as Air Force One Crew Chief. He was awarded the Presidential Service Certification for Honorable Service in the White House in 1982 by President Ronald Reagan.
His love and concerns for the Blackwater River were the catalyst for him founding the Blackwater Pyrates. As Captain Blackwater Bones, he watched the organization grow from a few charter members in 2006 to over 200 today: individuals dedicated to the care of the Blackwater River and its communities.
Tom’s desire to serve included the Bagdad Waterfronts Partnership where he was instrumental in the development of the Bagdad Millsite Park, tree planting programs and improving public access to the waterfront.
He was very proud that his sense of adventure had taken him to all 50 states – remarkably, before he finished high school. He delighted in bringing new life to old tractors, boats, model trains and cars. Local traffic had to look out for Tom when he was out on the roads on his latest tractor restoration! He was recognized far and wide for his home-built “Shanty Boat.” Building Christmas model train layouts for his granddaughters brought joy to all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas B. Scott, Sr. and Louise Miller Scott of Columbia, SC.
Survivors include: his wife of 22 years, Ann J. Scott of Milton; son, Thomas H. “Tommy” Scott of Ft. Walton Beach; son, Lyle (DeAnna) Burkett of Milton; daughter, Lindsey (Corry) Welch of Milton; and granddaughters, Adyson and Aubree Welch. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends all over the world.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday February 12, 2023 at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Milton, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Blackwater Pyrates Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 751, Bagdad, Florida 32530.
Tom leaves a large footprint on the entire Milton area, and a legacy of laughter, love and community service.